MINUTES OF MEETING:
PRESENT: Don Gorman,
Tom Haley, Kevin Barry, Kevin Webber,
Gigi Klipa, Paul Yergeau,
Mr. Harrington called the
2 Pledge of Allegiance – Mr. Harrington
Mr. Harrington led the school board and others that were present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Before the May 15th minutes were reviewed Mr. Harrington welcomed Mr. Peter Warburton to the Deerfield Community School Board meeting. Mr. Warburton is the new Assistant Supt. for SAU 53.
A motion was made to accept the
minutes of May 15th, by Kevin Barry seconded by Don Gorman
Pg. 3, second par. should read: Ms. McPherson stated that the DCS teams are losing by 30 to 40 points per game
Pg 3, last par. should read: A motion was made by Kevin Webber to move the Para contract forward to the Para-Association for review, 2nd by Don Gorman.
Pg. 6, second par. should
read: Mr. Yergeau also read a letter
from US Senator Sunnunu......
The minutes were accepted as corrected.
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
4. Immediate Business
A. Agenda Review
No Changes
B. Citizens’/Staff Comments
None Made
C. Health Curriculum Presentation-Mr. Yergeau, Faculty
Mr. Yergeau stated that Ms. Klipa would review the Health Curriculum with the board members. Ms Klipa stated that wellness is about wholeness and much more than physical well-being. Wellness should refer to a proactive view of health. Ms. Klipa informed the board that the Guidance Dept., School Nurse, the Physical Ed. teachers and classroom teachers worked on this curriculum. Ms. Klipa asked Ms. Campelia a Physical Ed. teacher to speak to the board.
Ms. Campelia read Section 204 Public Law 108-265: In general- Not later than the first day of the school year beginning after June 30, 2006 each local education agency participating in a program authorized by the Richard B. Russell national School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771) shall establish a local school wellness policy for schools under the local education agency that, at a minimum-
1) Includes goals for nutrition education, physical activity and other school-based activities that are designed to promote student wellness in a manner that the local ed. agency determines are appropriate;
2) Includes nutrition guidelines selected by the local educational agency for all foods available on each school campus under the local educational agency during the school day with the objectives of promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity;
3) Provides an assurance that guidelines for reimbursable school meals shall not be less restrictive than regulations and guidance issued by the Sec. of Agriculture pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) of section 10 of the Child Nutrition Act (42 U.S.C. 1779) and section 9 (f)(1) and 17 (a) of the Richard B Russell national School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758 (f)(1), 1766(a) 0 as those regulations and guidance apply to schools;
4) Establishes a plan for measuring implementation of the local wellness policy, including designation of 1 or more persons within the local ed. agency or at each school, as appropriate charged with operational responsibility for ensuring that the school meets the local wellness policy; and
5) Involves parents, students, and representatives of the school food authority, the school board, school administrators, and the public in the development of the school wellness policy.
Ms. Campelia stated that the Wellness Policies on Nutrition and Physical Activity was started after April vacation.
The preamble states that good nutrition and physical activity are two important influences on learning that school districts often overlook and ask that they explore ways to improve schools. The connection between nutrition, physical activity, chronic disease, and learning is well established among scientists; inadequate food intake limits children’s ability to learn. Chronically undernourished children must use their energy for tasks in order of greatest importance: first, to maintain critical organ functions; second, for growth; and, last, for cognitive functioning and social interaction.
Ms. Campelia stated that the policy needs to be in place by September of 2006.
The board will review the entire policy and continue discussion at later meetings.
D. Department Head Report – Ms. Boisvert
Ms. Boisvert was not present and
the board would schedule her report for the next scheduled School Board
Meeting.
5.
Old/Unfinished Business
A. Policy Review and Development – Mr. Barry
USE OF FACILITY POLICY
The board has reviewed and discussed this policy at previous meetings.
A motion was made by Kevin Barry and seconded by Don Gorman to move the
Use of Facility Policy as presented.
(noting all changes to the policy were in BOLD print)
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
HOME EDUCATION POLICY
The board will review this policy and bring it forward at a later meeting.
ATHLETIC POLICY
Mr. Harrington stated that the board would put this policy aside for tonight’s meeting and discuss it at a later time.
Mr. Gorman suggested that a committee be set in place made up of parents, staff, and other interested parties to review this policy and bring forward their concerns.
Kevin Webber stated that the people from the following groups should be asked to participate:
1. School Board member
2. Coaches (3)
3. Staff members (2)
4. Citizens (4)
Presently a committee will not be set in place but Mr. Gorman was asked to look for interested participants.
.
B. Budget Review – Mr. Barry
Mr. Harrington stated that $294,845 would be returned to the town from the 05-06 DCS budget.
Mr. Yergeau told the members of the board that Mr. Fowler informed him that 6 of the lunch tables no longer operated correctly. Seats were wobbly, and they were difficult to set up and take down. The board discussed replacing the tables with round tables and stated that the estimated costs would be $9,000.
A proposal from Ms. Boisvert the Tech Coordinator requested monies for the purchase of additional lap-top computer for the sole purpose of using it for IEP meetings. Mr. Yergeau stated that DCS is currently involved in a new program where changes on IEP’s are done on-line not physically on paper. Mr. Yergeau stated that having a laptop present at meetings would allow the parents to see those changes immediately.
Mr. Haley stated that other districts have done this and it has alleviated a number of issues.
Mr. Gorman stead that if the state is requiring this new format why isn’t the state not providing the equipment?
Mr. Haley stated that the state isn’t saying you need this piece of equipment it just makes the job easier.
Air Conditioning
Mr. Gorman reviewed with the board the differences between the two proposed costs.
Mr. Gorman stated that the $8,000 difference depended on the configuration of the roof top unit and window units. The board discussed the benefits of a 3-ton unit vs. a 2-ton unit and two window units. The board decided to go with the 2-ton roof unit and the 2 window units.
Ms. Boisvert also requested from the board approval to purchase several Dana Wireless devices. Ms. Boisvert stated that 12 units completes a full class and decreases the demand on the computer lab which increasingly getting more use and not easy for teachers to access because of the high demand.
The units would cost a total of $4, 835.88
Mr. Yergeau also informed that board that Mr. Fowler was requesting $495 to purchase an industrial vacuum. The two that he has are now 5-6 yrs. old.
A motion was made to purchase a
laptop for IEP use by Kevin Webber, seconded by Kevin Barry.
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made to purchase a
2-ton roof air conditioner, two window conditioners and wiring for these items
for $11,000 by Don Gorman, seconded by Kevin Webber.
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made to purchase
Dana Wireless devices for classroom use for $4,835 by Don Gorman, seconded by
Kevin Webber.
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made by Kevin Barry,
seconded by Kevin Webber to purchase a vacuum for $495.
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made by Kevin Barry,
seconded by Kevin Webber to purchase tables for the cafe for $9,000.
ALL
IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Barry stated that the total for all expenses was $26, 881.
Mr. Yergeau informed the board that money was removed from the 06-07 budget in the areas of Advertising, Furniture replacement, School Assemblies, School Supplies, etc.
Mr. Gorman stated that Mr. Yergeau was correct in investing in people and that they have the greater impact on education.
Mr. Yergeau stated that there were very few lines that he could draw from since so many are fixed lines.
A motion was made to accept the
budget for 06-07 as amended by the Administration by Kevin Webber, seconded by
Kevin Barry.
ALL
IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
C.
Mr. Harrington informed the board
that a letter was sent out to this years 7th, and 6th
graders updating families on information concerning the
A letter was received by a parent
requesting that their child be allowed to attend Central in
A motion was made to allow Chris
Reed to continue at Central High in
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
Another letter was received by the
board requesting that a graduating 8th grader be allowed to attend
Coe-Brown for the 06- 07 school year.
The board members stated that this request does not honor the current
A motion was made to deny the request
due to contractual agreements with
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
6. New
Business
A. Enrollment Requests-Mr. Harrington
A letter was received from Sherri Nelson a third grade teacher at DCS requesting that her two sons be allowed to attend DCS as the Teacher Contract allows.
A
motion was made to grant the request by Sherri Nelson as allowed by the DCS
teacher agreement by Kevin Barry, seconded by Kevin Webber.
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
A letter was received from Robert Dudley an 8th grade teacher at DCS requesting that his son be allowed to attend DCS as the Teacher Contract allows.
A
motion was made to grant the request by Robert Dudley as allowed by the DCS
teacher agreement by Don Gorman, seconded by Kevin Barry.
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
B. Kindergarten Schedule-Mr. Yergeau, Mr. Harrington
Mrs. Knee and Mr. Yergeau spoke to the board about a full day kindergarten for the 06-07
school year. Mrs. Knee stated that due to numbers for the 06-07 year it was feasible to
offer this program. Mrs. Knee stated that full day Kindergarten is the trend nationally and that the pace of a full day program is better suited to the developmental needs of kindergarten children.
Kevin Webber asked how the slots would be filled. Mrs. Knee stated that it would be based on personal history with teachers, parents needs, educational needs etc.
Mr. Harrington stated that he was concerned that if a full day option was being offered that it would have to be available to everyone.
Mr. Haley stated that if it is based as a trial/pilot program for the 06-07 school year it would not have made available to everyone.
Mrs. Knee stated that this was only being presented because the numbers allowed for it to happen. Next years numbers may change their ability to offer full day.
A
motion was made by Don Gorman, seconded by Kevin Webber to approve a one year
only on a trial basis a Full Day Kindergarten program based on present numbers.
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made to allow the DCS
Kindergarten begin with staggered opening for
the 06- 07 school year by Kevin
Barry, seconded by Kevin Webber.
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
C, Meeting Schedule-Mr. Haley, Mr. Harrington
The board discussed when they
could meet for their annual Goal Setting Meeting. It was decided that July 20th from
The meeting will be held at Kevin Barry’s home.
D, Nomination/Election of Staff-Mr. Haley, Board Members
Mr. Haley brought several names forward for consideration.
Ms. Adam’s was recommended to continue as a Music Teacher at DCS, Ms. LaPIERRE to fill the ˝ Health Position and Ms. Dickey to be a Art Teacher at DCS.
A motion to accept the proposed nominations
was made by Kevin Barry and seconded by
Kevin Webber.
ALL
IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED
7. Other Business
A. Negotiations- Mr. Webbber, Mr. Gorman
A letter was received from Ms. Driscoll requesting a meeting concerning teacher contracts.
Mr. Webber and Mr. Gorman will respond to Ms. Driscoll’s letter.
B. Informational Items
Kevin Webber- informed the members of the board that the electrical inspection was completed and the preliminary feedback was that there was plenty of supply coming into the building but adding circuits was not feasible. Mr. Webber stated that there is no main disconnect. Presently there is 1 circuit for every two rooms. The main issue is usage. Currently there are 20 microwaves and 17 refrigerators in the building. Mr. Webber and Mr. Harrington agreed that this is due to the lack of a teacher room due to student needs. Mr. Webber stated that the building cannot continue to run like this and items need to be removed. Mr. Harrington and Mr. Webber requested that Admin. look at rearranging space to include a teachers’ room. Discussion will continue on this issue.
Paul Yergeau – Mr. Yergeau informed the members of the board that as of June 9th Ms. Klipa finished her Master Degree in Admin. The board was very pleased to hear the information and congratulated Ms. Klipa on a job well done.
Mr. Yergeau shared with the board the 06-07 floor plan. The changes are as follows: Rm. 125 on the 1st floor will be a 5th grade classroom. Rm. 124 on the 1st floor will still be for grade 1 but will Mrs. Powers will move to that room. Rm. 112 which was a 2nd grade classroom will now be a 3rd grade classroom. Rm. 228-second floor will change from grade 3 to grade 5. Rm. 212 will be an 8th grade classroom; Rm. 209 will be for 8th grade. Rm. 222 will change from a 4th grade classroom to 3rd grade.
Mr. Yergeau informed the board that the Crisis Team and staff were to be recognized by how well they handled the death of a DCS student of the playground. The State Behavioral Crisis team came to DCS after the incident and was an immense help and great support.
Don Gorman inquired about meeting with the Deerfield Planning Board to review growth policies and to discuss ways for the school community to handle the increased growth.
Kevin Barry informed the board that Cotton Wood Estates is now an approved town road and that bus service will now have to be provided into the development not just at the end of the development.
C. Agenda Preparation- Mr. Harrington
Bus Routes
Space Reconfiguration
Home Ed. Policy
Wellness Policy
Goal Setting
D. Citizens’ Staff Comments
None Made
7. Adjournment
At
ALL IN FAVOR
MOTION CARRIED